ZLB23, the 1920s Kyoto-inspired speakeasy at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, has climbed to No. 31 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, a leap that confirms its growing influence in the global bar scene. Known for its sophisticated storytelling, eclectic cocktail menus, and vintage design rooted in Prohibition-era glamour, ZLB23 continues to lead India’s bar culture onto the international stage.
Opened in February 2023, ZLB23 takes its name from the bar’s fictional host Zia and the venue’s address—23 Old Airport Road. Since its debut, the bar has become a cornerstone of Bengaluru nightlife.
Madhav Sehgal, SVP of Operations, South, and Head of Sales for The Leela Palace Hotels & Resorts, says, “We are immensely proud of our team at ZLB23 for receiving this honor. It reflects their hard work and commitment to putting Bangalore on the global cocktail map, showcasing our vibrant culture and culinary heritage.”
ZLB23’s interiors, created with bespoke artisanal fabrics by Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints, include leather chesterfields, dark hardwoods, crystal chandeliers, and velvet drapery—offering an opulent speakeasy feel.
The cocktail menu is divided into three main categories:
- Prohibition-Era Cocktails, like the Plum Manhattan (bourbon and house-aged plum vermouth) and Zia’s Palmeiro (palo santo vermouth, cognac, aged rum, maple).
- Japanese-Inspired Cocktails, including the bold Shoyu Ramen and modern Japanese Old Fashioned with kokuto and fennel.
- Native Cocktails, such as Fire & Water with local pepper brine, and The Affable, made with guava, mezcal, and tequila.
Suchi Roy leads the operations team as Restaurant Manager, while Rajib Mukherjee, Head Mixologist, and Kripal Singh, Senior Bartender, drive the innovation behind the bar. Notably, 80% of ZLB23’s staff are women, showcasing a commitment to diversity and inclusion in Indian hospitality.
The venue also offers a strong music program, ranging from live jazz and piano to a resident DJ, and a food menufocused on small plates and grilled dishes inspired by lost Eastern recipes.
Awards & Recognition
- No. 31 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025
- Best Cocktail Bar – Delicious Dining Awards 2025 (Travel + Leisure India & South Asia)
- No. 40 – Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024
- Favourite Bar in an Indian Hotel – Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2024
- Great Bars of the World – Icons of Drinks 2024
- Best Hotel Bar, Bar Design & Live Gigs Bar – 30 Best Bars India 2023 & ET Hospitality World Awards
ZLB23 operates from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM at The Leela Palace Bengaluru.
Guests can make reservations via WhatsApp at +91 96320 60433
